The Oregon QB project: Ranking Rushmore

The idea of ranking the top four quarterbacks in Oregon history was a bit daunting to me, considering I’d seen two of the candidates in person. (One, Marcus Mariota, was playing on an injured knee. The other, Darron Thomas, was playing for the Portland Thunder of the Arena Football League.)

It turned out to be a rewarding exercise, though, because it brought me in touch with a lot of Oregon history. I learned some new names (Shy Huntington, everybody) and learned new things about some familiar ones (Dan Fouts: More interceptions than touchdowns in every season as an Oregon starter).

One of the interesting parts of the process was observing how the longtime Oregonians on our staff approached it, compared to those of us who recently moved here from afar.

If you asked football fans from another part of the country to name the best Oregon quarterback ever, Fouts would be a popular answer. But longtime Oregonians, realizing his college career was nothing special, might have more attachment to someone like Danny O’Neil or Bill Musgrave, quarterbacks who weren’t as successful in the pros but accomplished more in an Oregon uniform.

The four I settled on were Fouts, Musgrave, Norm Van Brocklin and Joey Harrington, with Mariota waiting in the wings. The last spot was hard, because I think there’s an excellent chance Mariota ends up being No. 1 by the time he’s done. Voters will have to decide for themselves whether future potential is part of the equation. It wasn’t for me, but that’s what makes it interesting.

Anyway, I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the mad genius of video guru Chris Pietsch and to take our online poll.

Austin Meek came to The Register-Guard via The Topeka Capital-Journal and Kansas City, Mo., home of the Chiefs, Royals and America's best barbecue. Now he covers the Ducks in TrackTown USA, but any subject is fair game. Follow Austin on Twitter @austinmeekRG or send him an email.